Russia

Mount Elbrus Climb

Price: 2,320 EUR / 845 KWD / 10,210 AED

Date: August 9, 2019

Duration: 8 days

Level: challenging

Mt. Elbrus with its two summits (Western Summit – 5642 m, Eastern Summit – 5621 m) is a dormant volcano, located to the north of the Main Caucasian Ridge, on the territories of the Karachay-Cherkessian and Kabardino-Balkarian republics of the Russian Federation. The Western summit of Mt. Elbrus is Europe’s highest peak and, therefore, one of the Seven Summits.

Climbing Mt. Elbrus via the classical route from the south in good summer weather is technically not difficult, though it requires good physical shape and acclimatization.

However, due to certain circumstances, the climb can become difficult and dangerous, since, just like on every stand-alone mountain, the weather can change quickly. Fog, snowfall and thunderstorms are frequently observed even during summer. Due to the features of a stratovolcano, orientation in bad weather can be very difficult. The glaciers on Mt. Elbrus are huge, covering about 145 square km, the thickness of the ice can reaching 200 m in certain areas, and there are lots of big crevasses.

Although Mt. Elbrus is ‘only’ a 5000er, it is essentialthat you acclimatize well and in the right way, even if you are an experienced mountain climber and in great physical shape. Otherwise, as on any high mountain, altitude sickness can be one of the reasons that may not only prevent you from reaching the summit but, above all, put your life in danger.

Altitude: 5642 m

PREREQUISITES

Climbing Skill Level Climbers should have successfully completed one of our climbing school courses or have equivalent skills and experience including basic knowledge on progression on snow and ice, self-arrest, crevasse rescue and glacier travel. Snow and ice slopes to be dealt with are moderate (up to 45 degrees). The above prerequisite is also based on our desire to have a similarly-skilled team. Please note that in this trip we have added a couple of days to review the skills mentioned above so we will be able to fit beginners in as well.

Physical Conditioning Elbrus at 5642 m is an extreme, high-altitude climb. You should be comfortable climbing 4-8 hours per day. Summit day is the most demanding part of the climb, typically involving 8 hours for the ascent and 6-7 hours for the descent. Our expeditions require strength and endurance. Being in sound physical condition is the single most crucial aspect for climbers to maximize their climbing potential. The better your physical condition, the more likely you are to perform well and have an enjoyable experience. The most frequent comment we have received over the years is that climbers have underestimated the fitness level required to enjoy such a tripfully. Additionally, inadequate fitness will affect the moral, pace, and overall enjoyment of the climb for all participants. We highly recommend checking with your physician before undertaking any strenuous activity.

Day 01

9th August 2019

Arrival at Mineralnye Vody (D)

Upon your arrival at Mineralnye Vody, a Rahhalah representative will greet you and transfer you via minibus to Terskol. The ride takes about 3-4 hours. You will stay overnight in a hotel in the valley (2100 m).

Day 02

10th August 2019

Acclimatization hike to Barrel Camp (B, L, D)

Today you will take the gondola up to the Mir station (3000 m). From there, you will hike up to the barrel camp (3600 m) and a little higher on the glaciers of Elbrus, appr. 800 vertical m, 2 hrs). You will stay again overnight in the hotel (2100 m).

Day 03

11th August 2019

Hike to Prijut Hut (Diesel Hut) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel for a few days and take the gondola and chair lift up to the top station Gara-Bashi at 3600 m, where you will stay for the next 4 days in a simple mountaineering camp.
After a light lunch, you will hike up to Prijut Hut (4050 m, 450 vm, 2 hrs) and practice ice techniques.
After a little rest there, you will descend to the camp for lunch, relaxation, and dinner.
Overnight at the camp at 3700 m.

Day 04

12th August 2019

Acclimatization hike to Pastukhov Rocks (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will hike up to the Pastukhov Rocks (4700 m, 1000 vm, 4 hrs).
Overnight again at the camp at 3700 m.

Day 05

13th August 2019

Rest Day (B, L, D)

Today, you will go through some technical training: use of crampons, ice-axe, self-arrest, rope techniques. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax, which will give you power for an extra push on the upcoming summit day. You will have an early dinner, as you will have to get up very early the next day.
Overnight at the camp at 3700 m.

Day 06

14th August 2019

Summit day (B, L, D)

On a typical summit day, you will have breakfast at 2 am. and leave at 3 am. It is possible to take the snowcat or skidoo up to Pastukhov Rocks which makes the ascent 3 hours shorter (this is an extra service, which can be booked in advance). The hike to the West summit of Mt. Elbrus (5642 m) normally takes 8 to 10 hours (1959 vm from the camp, 1150 vm from Pastukhov Rocks), the descent to the camp takes another 4 – 5 hours, so you should expect to arrive at the camp between 3 to 6 p.m. Overnight at the camp at 3700 m.

Day 07

15th August 2019

Reserve day and descent to the valley (B, L, D)

In the morning, you will descend to Terskol. If today is used as a reserve summit day (in case of bad weather on day 6), you will have to go down to Terskol in the evening (with lifts or on foot). In the evening, you will have a well-deserved celebration dinner. Overnight in the hotel in the valley (2100 m).

Day 08

16th August 2019

Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Mineralnye Vody for your flight back home.

Notes

The above price is based on shared occupancy. Single hotel supplement applies. No single room is available in the hut.

All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.

Note: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road conditions and operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.